Profile: Sabrina Drake

Electronics technician keeps Canada’s naval fleet afloat

Although repairing ships and submarines may not be a career choice for most people, Sabrina Drake jumped on board when she saw the job advertised on the Public Service website.

After working for several years in the private sector as an electronics technician, Sabrina was intrigued by the challenging work environment and the excellent compensation and benefits that were offered in the Public Service.

Now, working as a civilian electronic systems specialist with National Defence, Sabrina sails around the world repairing ships and submarines for the Canadian Navy.

Serves naval fleet

Sabrina and three other technicians are assigned to a mobile repair party based at the Fleet Maintenance Facility (FMF) Cape Scott in Nova Scotia. Sabrina’s duties are to service and maintain the electronic control and indication systems aboard Canada’s naval fleet.

On an average day she might be asked to repair systems related to propulsion, steering, damage control, black- and grey-water treatment, power generation, liquid-level management and helicopter recovery. One example of a recent repair assignment involved a trip on the HMCS Calgary between Italy and Croatia.

She also participates in sea trials. These allow her and fellow technicians to observe the results of repair and maintenance performed on a ship’s system, that is, a quality-control check done under real conditions.

Sabrina works in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment that requires alertness and precision. Her job description changes dramatically from day to day.

“The diversity that I have each day and the opportunity to learn something new is the best part of my job,” she says. “I’m never bored!”

And she adds “with lots of responsibility comes lots of job satisfaction.”

Better opportunities

Sabrina says that the Public Service offers much greater career opportunities than can be found in the private sector. “Knowing that my career is always evolving and having access to so many opportunities for technical and professional development makes my job different from one in the private sector.”

After completing a two-year electronics program at Nova Scotia Community College, Sabrina worked in private industry for 13 years as an electronics technician before joining the Public Service in December 2006.

Over the horizon 

Sabrina and her colleagues want to ensure that FMF Cape Scott continues to be a trusted and efficient repair facility for Canada’s Navy.

“I believe we play a significant role in maintaining the safety and security of Canadians and our allies by assisting our fleet whenever and wherever required,” Sabrina says. 

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